Bisson’s goal the difference as Guernsey regain the Primary Schools “Muratti”

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Guernsey regained the bragging rights in the Primary Schools 'Muratti' with a deserved win on the road on Sunday.

On a well-prepared small-sided pitch in front of the cricket pavilion at Grainville the visitors gained a well-earned victory with a solitary goal from Archie Bisson early in the second half.

The enthusiastic crowd, many of them from Guernsey, had an entertaining match to cheer that was played in a good spirit.

The first half of 25 minutes saw Guernsey's Eduardo Nettleton hit an excellent volley from a corner but the Jersey defence was there in numbers to deflect it wide for another – the only two Guernsey had in the match.

Jersey's captain, Taylor Nelson, and Luke De Prey proved a composed pair in the middle but the opportunities for Jersey's front men were limited. Their best opportunities arose from the nippy Leighton Franco on the left flank and, shortly before the interval, his well-hit free-kick from 20 yards called on John Gilmour in the Guernsey goal to show his mettle.

Just before this Nettleton had been substituted with Bisson and, after the break, it was he who made the difference.

At the interval Jersey brought on all their bench men while Guernsey kept their powder dry. One of Jersey's new men, Fosco Farina, broke clear after half an hour but Gilmour was quickly out to block at his feet and, although the rebound fell to another Jersey forward, the gilt-edged chance was snatched at and blazed over the bar.

Guernsey were guilty of the same as play moved straight up the other end but, two minutes later, Josh Ozanne played a good diagonal through ball to Bisson right of centre. He kept a cool head, held off his defender and hit a low cross shot past Owen Wills, who was now in the Jersey goal.

Jersey substitute Harvey Ingram made a number of impressive runs from deep but, up front their openings remained limited. Oscar Mountford shot wide beforeJersey thought they had equalised with ten minutes to go but the ball had already gone out for a corner which came to nothing.

Ingram brought another save out of Gilmour before Bisson nearly added a second. From a similar spot to where he scored, his powerful rising shot cannoned back of the left post. Guernsey finished the stronger and in the last minute their captain Buddy Learman beat a couple of defenders before finding Wills with his shot.

Report by John Treleven.

All pictures by Rob Currie.

The Inter-Insular football action continues when the U18 sides face each other on Sunday. Kick off is 12.30pm at Springfield.